Blood, Sweat and Tears

The chaos of the battlefield runs wild.
Soldiers crouch anxiously in a trench,
grasping their rifles. The haze of smoke
from mortar explosions burns their eyes,
firing rounds ricochet from the ground.

Their enemy majesticly hunts like a pack
of wolves remaining persistently patient.
The soldiers engage, attempting to chase
victory, once more the mortars hit the canvas.

Umbrellas of fire escape from shells of brass,
leaving a trail of mangled bodies. The enemy
retreats to safe haven, basking in
their accomplishment.

But a glimour of hope remains, a soldier
crawls from beneath the bodies. He hears
his comrades cry out to him from the ground.
The reality of horror hits him, as he clutches
a grenade ready to end the pain.